The MDGs – which seek to slash a host of social ills, including extreme hunger and poverty, infant and maternal mortality, and lack of access to education and medical care – were agreed on by world leaders at a summit in 2000. They have a 2015 deadline for their completion.

Noting that the protection of children and young people from such misuse is one of the most important social and ethical challenges the world faces, he pointed out that for this reason Panama has supported initiatives carried out in this area by the UN International Telecommunications Union (ITU). “I invite all the States here represented to share experiences in order to establish and harmonize, on the basis of international telecommunications criteria, norms that will allow us to guarantee that minors are no longer exposed to the risks and dangers that are disseminated through cyberspace,” the President said.

In his statement to the General Debate, the Panamanian leader also spoke about his country’s commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and negotiation, as well as the use of peaceful means for resolving all international conflicts, in line with the UN Charter and the principles of international law.